Method and Apparatus for Selling Consumer Products

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for advertising, promoting, marketing and/or selling products and services. The inventions include a mobile vehicle and moving showroom for advertising, promotion, marketing, and sales of products and services. The products and services may be promoted for direct sale from the moving showroom, or for sale from other outlets, such as retail stores and internet sales.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/331,887 filed Oct. 23, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/337,727 filed Jul. 22, 2014 (patented, U.S. Pat.No. 9,481,283), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/244,601 filed Apr. 3, 2014 (abandoned), which is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/533,276 filed Jun. 26, 2012(patented, U.S. Pat. No. 8,690,215), which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/018,787 filed Feb. 1, 2011(patented, U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,854), which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/380,989 filed Mar. 5, 2009 (patented,U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,461), which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/068,700 filed Mar. 7, 2008.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/244,601 filed Apr. 3, 2014(abandoned) is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 29/447,050 filed Feb. 28, 2013 (patented, Pat. No. D736,675),which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/410,762filed Jan. 11, 2012 (patented, U.S. Pat. No. D678,823), which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/360,773 filed Apr.30, 2010 (patented, U.S. Pat. No. D652,353), which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/380,989filed Mar. 5, 2009 (patented, U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,461).

This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 29/447,050 filed Feb. 28, 2013 (patented, Pat. No.D736,675), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.29/410,762 filed Jan. 11, 2012 (patented, U.S. Pat. No. D678,823), whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/360,773 filedApr. 30, 2010 (patented, U.S. Pat. No. D652,353), which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/380,989filed Mar. 5, 2009 (patented, U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,461).

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/018,787 filed Feb. 1, 2011(patented, U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,854) is also a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 29/360,773 filed Apr. 30, 2010 (patented,U.S. Pat. No. D652,353), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/380,989 filed Mar. 5, 2009 (patented, U.S. Pat.No. 7,942,461), which claims the priority of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 61/068,700 filed Mar. 7, 2008).

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/018,787 filed Feb. 1, 2011(patented, U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,854) is also a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 29/364,594 filed Jun. 25, 2010 (patented,U.S. Pat. No. D653,993), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 29/360,773 filed Apr. 30, 2010 (patented, U.S. Pat.No. D652,353), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/380,989 filed Mar. 5, 2009 (patented, U.S. Pat.No. 7,942,461), which claims the priority of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 61/068,700 filed Mar. 7, 2008).

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/410,762 filed Jan. 11, 2012(patented, U.S. Pat. No. D678,823), is also a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/364,594 filed Jun. 25, 2010(patented, U.S. Pat. No. D653,993), which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/360,773 filed Apr. 30, 2010(patented, U.S. Pat. No. D652,353), which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/380,989 filed Mar. 5, 2009(patented, U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,461).

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/447,050 filed Feb. 28, 2013(patented, Pat. No. D736,675), is also a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/533,276 filed Jun. 26, 2012 (patented, U.S. Pat.No. 8,690,215), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/017,787 filed Feb. 1, 2011 (patented, U.S. Pat.No. 8,220,854), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 12/380,989 filed Mar. 5, 2009 (patented, U.S. Pat. No. 7,942,461).

The priority of all of those prior applications is claimed, and thecontents of all of those prior applications are fully incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to portable product displays in generaland more particularly to a mobile product kiosk.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retail advertising and sales have historically been relegated to fixedstructures such as free standing buildings or malls that include ashowroom for potential customers to browse through product displays andthen select the merchandise they wish to purchase. These fixed showroomsrequire the purchaser to make a special trip to the building location.Often, the distances involved are substantial enough to discourage thepurchaser from making the journey or require more time than thepurchaser has available to travel to the store.

The Internet has opened a new means of shopping for the computerliterate population. Almost every product available today in the retailmarketplace is also available for purchase through the Internet. Withjust a few strokes of the keyboard, an individual can browse a varietyof products, find product comparison reviews, and select and purchasethe product for delivery to the individual's home or business. However,Internet purchases require the electronic transfer of financialinformation such as bank account numbers or credit card numbers. Whilegreat strides have been made to insure confidentiality of suchfinancially sensitive information, it is still subject tomisappropriation and interception and misuse by unauthorizedindividuals. Many purchasers refuse to risk the theft of their financialand identity information and as such will not purchase products via theInternet. Also, such remote purchasing denies the purchaser the abilityto view the product in a “hands on” environment such as that afforded byan in-store display.

Consumer retail malls have become very popular over the past fifty yearsand can now be found in almost every major metropolitan area. Thesemalls are constructed as very large structures with a multitude ofindividual subdivisions for independent stores that all share a commonpedestrian area for the convenience of customers. Small kiosks have alsobeen introduced into these common areas. The kiosk is merely a smalldisplay area located in the common pedestrian traffic areas of the mallswherein each kiosk is dedicated to the sale of a single product.However, while these kiosks may be repositionable within the pedestrianarea, they are also limited as to their mobility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment, methods and apparatus are provided foradvertising, promoting, marketing, and/or selling products and services,as described herein. The inventions include a mobile vehicle for suchadvertising, promotion, marketing and sales, wherein the vehicle isself-propelled and self-contained for transport to, and operation in,any locale. A showroom affixed to or carried by or in the movingvehicle, the vehicle acting as a moving showroom, mobile kiosk, ormobile store.

In one preferred embodiment, the showroom has side panels on three orfour sides which can be raised, removed or retracted to allow customersto view the products within the showroom. Further preferably, the panelshave advertising on both sides, providing advertising billboards thatare visible on all of the sides of the vehicle, such that three hundredand sixty degrees of billboard signage are present on the vehicle topromote particular products and services. Those products and servicescan include electronics and electrical devices, mechanical products,consumer products, or other objects. The products can be promoted forsale from the moving showroom, or for sale from other outlets, whetherretail stores, internet sales or so forth.

In this manner, the present system allows salespeople to promote,market, and sell products and services on a mobile platform. The vehicleallows a company to bring a showroom with items directly to the consumerin any desired environment, allowing salespeople the ability to easilyand efficiently demonstrate and promote those products to consumers inthat environment, such that the consumers can touch and feel them. Thefunctions and advantages of their products and services are broughtdirectly to consumers, rather than requiring them to come to a retailstore, allowing companies and their sales people a new system forpromoting, marketing, advertising and selling those products.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention willbe further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art byreference to the following written specification, claims and appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention,reference should be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile product showroom embodying thepresent invention, wherein the mobile showroom is configured fortransport to a sales location;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the mobile product showroom of FIG.1 configured for displaying a product;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the configured mobile showroomshown in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the mobile product showroom of FIG.1 configured for displaying a product alternative to that shown in FIG.2 ;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 7 is a left side view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG.4 ;

FIG. 8 is a right side view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG.4 ;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG. 4 ;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the mobile product showroom ofFIG. 1 , wherein the mobile showroom is configured for transport to asales location and does not exhibit external advertising;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 13 is a left side view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG.10 ;

FIG. 14 is a right side view of the mobile product showroom shown inFIG. 10 ;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of a further configuration of amobile product showroom embodying the present invention, wherein themobile showroom is configured for transport to a sales location;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a rear view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 19 is a left side view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG.16 ;

FIG. 20 is a right side view of the mobile product showroom shown inFIG. 16 ;

FIG. 21 is a top view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the mobile product showroom ofFIG. 16 configured for displaying a product;

FIG. 23 is a front view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG. 22 ;

FIG. 25 is a left side view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG.22 ;

FIG. 26 is a right side view of the mobile product showroom shown inFIG. 22 ; and

FIG. 27 is a top view of the mobile product showroom shown in FIG. 22 .

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”,“rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 . However,one will understand that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. Therefore, the specific devices and processes illustrated inthe attached drawings, and described in the following specification, aresimply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in theappended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physicalcharacteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not tobe considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Turning to the drawings, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a mobile product showroom20 for advertising, promoting, marketing and selling goods, and itsvarious components. In one preferred embodiment, the goods are consumerelectronics. In an alternate or additional preferred embodiment, thegoods are portable ones (whether consumer electronics or otherwise).However, any other product or service can be sold consistent with theinvention. Various examples of suitable products and services (which areprovided for exemplary purposes, but are not intended as limitations onthe scope of the invention), are provided below.

The mobile product showroom 20 is configured from a small self-propelledvehicle 22 that includes a cab 24 for a user to drive the showroombetween various locations and a showroom 26 provided behind that cab. Inthe preferred embodiment, vehicle 22 is typically much smaller than atruck or automobile and more closely resembles a three-wheeledmotorcycle with a cab 24 or a golf-cart type vehicle. In one preferredembodiment, the length of the present vehicle is less than fifteen orless than twelve feet, and the width of the vehicle is less than six orless than five feet, and the height of the vehicle is less than sevenfeet or six or less feet. In a further preferred embodiment, the vehiclehas a length of eleven feet, a width of 4.5 feet, and a height of sixfeet. Thus, the vehicle is smaller than Sprinter type vehicles (soldunder the Mercedes Benz, Dodge and Freightliner brands), which canrange, for example, from 196 to 263 inches in length (16.3 to 21.9feet), 74.0 to 78.3 inches (6.2 to 6.5 feet) in length, 93.1 to 104.0inches in height (7.8 to 8.7 feet). It is also smaller than trailerswhich can measure thirty feet in length by eight feet in width by eightfeet in height, and in various models can range from twenty feet inlength to fifty-three feet in length.

Vehicle 22 is readily commercially available and can be three-wheeled asshown in FIGS. 1-3 or can be of a more common four-wheeledconfiguration. In alternative embodiments, any other desired number ofwheels can be utilized. Vehicle 22 can be gas powered, electricallypowered with a battery, or can be a hybrid of gas and electric. Cab 24is of a size to typically accommodate only one or two occupants.

The use of this design allows provision of a moving sales and promotionkiosk which is compact, maneuverable, and highly mobile, which is highlyadvantageous. For example, the compact size of the vehicle allows it tobe parked for demonstration, promotional, advertising, and salespurposes in urban markets without requiring special permits. Likewise,the small size is also highly maneuverable. Furthermore, the embodimentis also eco-friendly, utilizing far less gas than larger vehicles. Inthis manner, a moving kiosk can efficiently be provided which hasdemonstration items and/or videos which can be easily transported fromplace to place.

As shown in FIG. 1 , cab 24 of vehicle 22 can include windshield 27 andside windows 28. When the mobile showroom 20 is being transportedbetween static locations, windshield 27 and 28 are free of obstructionsthereby permitting the driver to see the surrounding area, street, andtraffic. However, when mobile showroom 20 is parked in a static locationfor operation as a showroom, product placard 34 can be inserted in thewindshield and product placards 32 can be inserted in the side windows28. Placards 32, 34 can include advertisement information regarding theproduct being shown and sold at mobile showroom 20. Thus, the cab 24also functions as an advertising medium when the mobile showroom 20 isin a static condition.

The rear portion of vehicle 22 has mounted thereon a product showroom26. Product showroom 26 comprises a frame 40 including a lower frame 43which encloses the lower body 25 of vehicle 22, an upper frame 42supported by vertical members 44, and a roof 38. Frame 40 in combinationwith display platform 46 and lower frame 43 defines an internal show ordisplay area 48 as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 . Display platform 46 isconfigured for displaying products or literature therein, and can be ofany desired design, including any particular shape and topographysuitable for the application at hand. For example, the display platformcan be horizontal or essentially horizontal, and/or or can includerecesses and/or mounts for securing products thereto. Lower frame 43 canfurther define an enclosed storage area for promotional supplies such aspamphlets and for product inventory of items intended to be soldon-site.

In the preferred embodiment, as shown in the figures, this platform isopen to the air on three sides. The open air design allows consumers toplace their arms and hands into the internal show area to experience thetouch and feel of the products therein, and to try them out for aliterally “hands-on” experience. Thus, consumers and potentialpurchasers can reach in to the vehicle from the rear, left and rightsides to hold, view and experiment with the products on the platform,and to obtain a very direct impression of those products' appearance,weight, features, functions, and so forth.

The three-sided open design further allows consumers to gather aroundthe vehicle and showroom from a large range of angles. Consumers cancongregate to watch other consumers or salespeople, whether on their ownside or other sides of the vehicles demonstrating or trying the productsthereon. The open air and compact design also allows them to reach in totouch and feel products on their own side or other sides of theplatform.

Alternatively, a system with less or more sides, or a non-open airsystem can be used, e.g. in conjunction with other features of theinvention disclosed herein. Such systems are generally not preferred,however, as they lack numerous of the advantages of the preferredembodiments.

Show area 48 can also include therein an optional display background 50supported on display platform 46 to provide an eye appealing backgroundfor the display of the various product samples 52, 54, 56 supported ondisplay platform 46 for display to the public. Show area 48 can alsoinclude a video display 58 such as an LCD television mounted fordisplaying product promotional information for consumer education. Suchinformation can include product use instructions, unique productfeatures, or product demonstrations. The information on the videodisplay can relate to the product samples 52, 54, 56 placed on displayplatform 46 and/or to other products and services such as upcoming newtechnologies.

Show area 48 can further include a computer terminal 60 such as anotebook computer that includes the capability for wireless connectionto the Internet. Computer terminal 60 can be used for a variety ofpurposes including ordering the product for a customer from aparticipating store for the customer to either pick up or for homedelivery. The terminal can also be used to provide limited time discountcoupons for individual customers which they must use within a short timeprior to expiration of the discount. Thus, an individually tailoreddiscount can be provided based on the needs and desires of the customerand the sales agent at mobile showroom 20.

Lower frame 43 typically includes rear and side panels 72, 74respectively to aid in enclosing the lower body 25 of vehicle 22. Panels72, 74 can be configured to accept product advertisement panels toappeal to the public. Panels 72, 74 are preferably visible at all timeswhether vehicle 22 is moving or static.

Upper frame 40 has affixed thereto right and left side movable panels 60and rear movable panel 62 respectively. Preferably, each panel isseparately movable from the other panels of the vehicle. In oneembodiment, panels 60, 62 are hinged at the top edges of upper frame 44to swing or flip up from a lowered to a vertically raised position.Alternatively, the panels can be mounted on slides to translate within avertical plane from a lowered position to a raised position by slidingup and down along a track.

When in their lowered or closed position, movable panels 60, 62 encloseshow area 48, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , thereby facilitating thetransport of mobile product showroom 20 from one locale to the next andto protect the product samples 52, 54, 56 displayed therein. Whenlowered, panels 60, 62 fixedly latch to lower frame 43. Movable panels60, 62 also accommodate outer product advertisement panels 63, 65respectively. When panels 60 are lowered and secured advertisementpanels 63 are oriented so the viewing public can read the content ofpanels 63.

Movable panels 60, 62 also include inner product advertisement panels64, 66. Advertisement panels 64, 66 are oriented such that when movablepanels 60, 62 are in a raised position, panels 64, 66 extend above upperframe 42 and above the showroom to face outwardly from mobile showroom20. They are thus readable by prospective customers and viewable fromgreater distances.

Preferably, in their raised position, panels 60 and 62 extend above roof38. When these panels extend vertically above roof 38, they can serve asa vertical billboard above and around at least three sides of theshowroom. As a result, advertising is provided above the mobile showroomthat can be read at a distance. In this manner, the raised panels andadvertisements thereon are located above the consumers congregatingaround the vehicle and showroom such that those consumers do not blockview of the advertisements on the panels. Thus, other passers-by drawnto a crowd of consumers around the vehicle can tell what is beingdemonstrated from the panels located above the heads of that crowd.

In one embodiment, panels 60, 62 in their raised position are restrainedand connected one to the other at adjoining edges by retention straps67, and the front edges of side panels 60 are supported in their raisedposition by braces 68 (FIG. 3 ). Alternatively, in the embodimentwherein the panels slide up vertically, they can be secured to theframes they are attached to.

Any wording, images or so forth can be placed on the front and backsides of the panels as desired, allowing the fronts and backs of thepanels to serve as billboards. In a preferred embodiment, advertisementsare placed on each of the billboards of the vehicle. The advertisementscan all be the same, or can all be different, or some of theadvertisements can be the same (duplicative), with some being differentfrom the others. Thus, the rear side, the left side, the right side, andthe front side of the showroom and vehicle can all have the samebillboard, or different billboards, or some duplication, as desired.

Furthermore, as shown in the figures, each of the panels can potentiallybe viewed from both sides. The panels each have a front side which isvisible at all times, but also have a back side which becomes visiblewhen the panel is raised. In other words, the front side is visible toobservers when the panel is raised or lowered, with the back side of thepanel being visible when the panels are raised, but not being visible toobservers when all of the panels are lowered (due to the fact that theback side faces the platform for product display). The sameadvertisement can be placed on the front side and the back side, ordifferent advertisements can be placed on them. Any combination ofadvertisements on the billboards of the four sides of the vehicle andthe fronts and backs of those billboards can be utilized that isdesired.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the raisingof the billboards provides additional advertisement space and visibilityover traditional signs placed on a vehicle. For example, when the panelsare in the raised position, the advertisements on the rear billboard andthe advertisements on the right and left side billboards are all visiblefrom the front of the vehicle. In other words, the back side of the rearbillboard, and the back side of the right and left side billboards areall visible from in front of the vehicle when those panels are raised.Likewise, the advertisement on the right side's billboard is visiblefrom the left side of the vehicle (and from other angles), and theadvertisement on the left side's billboard is visible from the rightside of the vehicle (and from other angles).

In this manner, at various angles from the front of the vehicle, threeor four sides of billboards or advertisements are visible, namely, theadvertisement in the front window of the cab, the back side of the rearbillboard, the back side of the right billboard, and the back side ofthe left billboard. Similarly, at other angles, at least threebillboards or sides are visible. For example, from the right front ofthe vehicle, a consumer or potential purchaser can see the front side ofthe raised right billboard, the lower right billboard (normallyconcealed when the right panel is lowered), the back side of the raisedrear billboard, and the back side of the raised left billboard.

In the embodiment where the panels are hinged, the advertising panelsappear inverted from the front of the cab when they are pivoted to theirraised position. In a configuration where panels 60, 62 are mounted tovertically slide between a lowered and raised position, the orientationand placement of advertising panels 63-66 is arranged such thatadvertising panels 63-66 are readable when panels 60, 62 are in both theraised and lowered positions. In either embodiment, when panels 60, 62are raised and secured they form a “U” shape which is oriented such thatthe open part of the “U” faces to the front of vehicle 22, therebypermitting viewing of advertising panels 63 and 65 from the front ofmobile product showroom 20, and thus providing four quadrant exposure ofadvertising panels to the purchasing public.

As a result, considerably increased advertising space and signage isavailable for display to consumers and potential purchasers.Furthermore, advertising is visible from an increased range of angles,with more billboards visible from any potential angle than is commonwith conventional advertising on moving vehicles.

In use, the operator of the mobile showroom 20 configures the showroomfor a particular product by affixing advertising panels 63-66 to panels60, 62 and by affixing advertising panels 72, 74 to lower frame 43.Products anticipated to be advertised by mobile showroom 20 include, butare not limited to: cellular telephones, including smart phones;cameras, including digital cameras, camcorders, and video cameras;global positioning systems (GPS); computers, including notebookcomputers; personal digital assistants (PDAs), video game units andvideo games; music and video players, such as satellite radios, carstereos, mp3 players, portable video players, and personal CD/DVDplayers; television sets, including flat panel televisions; andelectronics and computer accessories. It will be understood, however,that this list is not exhaustive, but rather, any consumer electronicsdevice, or any other product or service can be used in conjunction withthe present invention.

The applicable window placards 32, 34 are selected and stored for lateruse. Show area 48 is populated with product samples 52, 54, 56 fordisplay to the public. The desired pre-recorded product promotionalvideos are loaded for subsequent play on video display 58, and thedesired product files and Internet connections for notebook computer 60are stored on memory within computer 60. The operator then powersvehicle 22 and drives to the desired area in which the mobile showroom20 is to be set up for display. Because of the small size of mobileshowroom 20, the areas available include curbside or even on a largesidewalk, pedestrian courtyards, and common areas of indoor and outdoormalls. The small size of mobile showroom 20 facilitates taking theproduct display to highly trafficked pedestrian areas thereby insuringsignificant exposure of the product to the public. In this manner, themobile showroom 20 can be taken to the customer rather than the showroombeing in a fixed location and waiting for a customer to enter.

Once the desired location for mobile showroom has been reached, theoperator stops vehicle 22 and secures it in position by setting brakes,blocking wheels, and whatever other precautions may be necessary for thesafety of those visiting mobile showroom 20. The operator then placesplacards 32, 34 in the windows 27, 28 of the vehicle cab 24. Next,panels 60, 62 are pivoted to their raised vertical positions and securedwith retention straps 67 and braces 68. The product samples are thenplaced on display platform 46 and secured in place. Video display 58 ispowered on to begin displaying product videos, and computer 60 is bootedto aid the operator/sales person with product ordering and discountcoupon features. The operator remains in the location for the desiredtime demonstrating the product, answering questions, assisting customersin ordering product, or even in selling quantities of product stored ininventory in lower frame 43. Upon completion of the desiredsales/demonstration period, the operator secures mobile showroom 20 byreversing the above described steps and then driving to a new locationwhereupon the process is repeated.

Thus, the present mobile showroom, can easily move through all hightraffic environments, making it easier to deliver a close, eye-level,one-to-one, one-to-many personal encounter that appears more intimateand user friendly. These showrooms offer the brand marketer the abilityto establish the preferred daily routing, times of day or evening ineach market, to effectively reach out and communicate the productmessage to a specific target audience. The showrooms give brandmarketers total flexibility to drive and deliver intercept sampling,live product demos, education and information, target market couponing,market research, mobile wireless SMS and download messaging, and manyother forms of interruptive media engagements to deliver a measurable“hands-on” impression. Furthermore, the showroom can be provided as afully turnkey packaged program, from the initial ideation, to drawingsand fabrication, to qualified and experienced staffing, local routeplanning, e/o and accident insurance, progressive field reports, andseasoned account management. The showrooms are particularly useful asthey attract instant attention, all types of attention, from the media,the target consumer, the non-expecting onlooker, and even a party'scompetitors. The showroom is very approachable, highly friendly, highlyinteractive and fun to experience. And most important, it is notobtrusive to any public or private sector. The showrooms are also easyto understand and enjoy, which leads the showroom consumer engaging hisor her friends about the product and/or service they just encountered.

The showrooms can be used in conjunction with any type of goods orservices. Some examples follow:

Electronic Retailers and Personal Electronic Retailing (PER)

There are, on average, over 1,000 products and services to choose fromin any Consumer Electronic Retailer emporium. This is both daunting andmost confusing to the purchaser, especially when there is more than onebrand that has a strong presence both inside and outside the store.Moreover, since there is more than one consumer electronic s store tomake a purchase, the ability to reach out and engage the consumer tohelp them make a buying decision, even before they walk into the store,gives such a retailer a distinct advantage over its competitors.

In this manner, the mobile showroom of the present invention, is anideal means to showcase a brand category direct to the consumer outsideof the store, crafted to provide a retailer with a means to take thelead in showcasing its product and services, or to showcase a particularmanufacturer's products and services which are sold in a plurality ofretailers.

With the showroom, the proper stage can be set to experience all of theproduct attributes in a particular category. If the company is ingaming, for example, then the top five to ten titles can be put ondisplay and played to show consumers all of the key features. Tied intoanother retail partner, the hardware that is used to play the game canbring about the one-two connection that it takes the hardware to playthe software. Or, if the gaming title is meant only for play on a PCthrough a broadband Internet connection, then three partners can worktogether to reach out to the consumer. In general, the mobile showroomoffers a multitude of options and means to increase the consumer'sconnection to the brands that the store is featuring on, and/or theproducts that the manufacturer is promoting, at any given time.

Numerous PER Services can be provided, including, but not limited to,product display/trial; “sponsorship” opportunities; data capture;literature handout; one on one education; use of Internet EnabledLaptops; purchase of products in real time; credit card terminals;sweepstakes entries; cause tie-ins; texting campaigns; Bluetoothdownloads; looping content via mounted flat screens; and so forth.

Broadcast & Cable Stations/Watch Entertainment (WE)

With over 500 programming channels available on the average cable TV orsatellite TV set top box, it is no wonder that the average number of TVchannels that a typical TV Household will program on a regular basis isno more than twelve. Yet, they have 30 times that number at theirfingertips for their choosing. Some of the programming they will find by“surfing” the menu listing, or by being told by a friend that aparticular show, series or movie, is a “must see” program that needs tobe recorded with their DVR. Sometimes if they are in the mood or havequality down time on their hands, they will turn on the “tube” to watcha particular program that simply happens on impulse.

In accordance with the invention, the mobile showroom can be used tohelp the viewer see programming that they might not have heard about,and/or to direct them where to find it. It can be used to help the localcable affiliate, the national broadcast channel, the national pay TVservices, and so forth, reach out to the cable TV or satellite viewerand help them to find entertainment, sports, education, information, andother programming that they probably were not even aware existed, aswell as expose them to programming that they might have been aware ofbut had never watched.

Thus, the mobile showroom can be used to get the viewer educated aboutand connected to programming where they live, work or play. The Internetis there to help reinforce the programming efforts, but the real “push”to get the viewers' attention is to go to them, show them, and invitethem to experience the programming on a particular service. The mobileshowroom WE services can include, but are not limited to: multiple flatscreen viewing; data capture; use of Internet-enabled laptops; TVtimetable handouts; Bluetooth downloads (e.g. of program clips); textingcampaigns; cause tie-ins; and so forth.

Cosmetics & Fragrance Sales/Make Over Stations (MOS)

The mobile showroom of the invention can be used to assist the femaleconsumer in staying connected with the latest and newest cosmetic andfragrance offerings coming to a retail or online store front. Theshowrooms are ideal to smartly, creatively, and intuitively interactwith all types of potential female customers, offering the cosmetic andfragrance brand marketer the ability to “experience in person” what is“hot” and what is not. It also allows the marketer the ability to putits brand front and center in all types of new selling environments inwhich female customers can experience a real live makeover, showing themhow to do their eyes, lips, cheeks, nails—all things “cosmetic” come tolife in the most stylistic way imaginable. The movable showroom can beused to deliver anything from beauty buzz “tried and true” make overtips, to very minimal base line essentials. It can further deliver thebrand marketer message, the product offer, and the direction on where tomake a brand purchase by showcasing the full line of beauty products toanyone, anywhere in the US.

The mobile showroom MOS services can include, but are not limited to:product sampling—makeover stations; data capture; literature handout;one on one education; use of Internet-enabled laptops; credit cardterminals; sweepstakes entries; cause tie-ins; texting campaign;delivery of personalized results; and looping content via mounted flatscreen.

Mobile Banking/Friendly Banking Services (FBS)

Trust, honesty, integrity and easy-to-follow solutions are what bankingcustomers prefer in today's more challenged economic environment. Thecredibility with some of America's biggest banking institutions hasclearly made a case for banks to have more friendly and engagingdialogue and interaction with their local banking customers. The abilityto reach out and speak to them in any number of ways with a more “human”exchange is a major advance of the mobile showroom of the presentinvention, designed to offer both large and small banks the ability tobring back “personalization”, putting a more friendly and meaningfulface on their bank's branding communication.

The mobile showroom is a means to “press-the-flesh” with both currentand new customers, while at the same time offering them each a way todiscover new and friendly services. Everyone appreciates the ability foronline banking to save time while removing frustration to either waitingin line for a bank teller or not being able to capture quick answers tosome annoying questions. In this manner, the mobile showroom delivers ahighly personal and extremely user-friendly engagement tool whichsmartly demonstrates that the bank clearly has its customers' bestinterests at heart.

The mobile showroom FBS services, can include, but are not limited to:data capture; literature handout; new account application; one on oneeducation; use of Internet-enabled laptops; sweepstakes entries; causetie-ins; texting campaigns; Bluetooth downloads; looping content viamounted flat screens; and so forth.

Insurance/My Insurance Now (MIN)

To walk out the door today, and even for the door you walk out of, youneed insurance. It is one of the biggest expenses that individuals andbusinesses have to accept. There is a need for health insurance, autoinsurance, single dwelling (condo/apartment/single family) insurance,and if one has children, probably school loan insurance. In some cases,there is a need for boat, motorcycle, or aircraft insurance. Likewise,for those who travel a great deal, travel insurance is generally a must.Last, but not least, individuals must have life insurance if they arethe key household provider.

All told, it can easily require a minimum of three and up to teninsurance policies to get through life fully protected. For many, thereis also retirement insurance to know they will have a roof over theirhead, which has become one of the newest insurance policies beingoffered in case one of the consumer's other policies expires when he orshe reaches the age of 65 years.

The mobile showroom is an excellent means to give the prospectiveconsumer a very hands on explanation and understanding as to what aninsurance policy is, how and why one needs a policy or policies, andthrough this communication exchange, provides the insurance company themeans to offer all of the key policies that one must understand andeventually subscribe to at a cost-affordable rate.

The mobile showroom provides the insurance company's direct contact withpeople who would like to have more information, more access tounderstanding what policies they need, what they don't need, and afriendly and reliable source to know that if they work with the company,they will get exactly what they need and must have in their daily lives.The showroom allows the company to communicate the proper message to theproper consumers so that the connection is real and direct with nomisunderstanding as to what and how it is being provided.

The mobile showroom MIN Services can include, but are not limited to:data capture; literature handout; new account application; one on oneeducation; use of Internet-enabled laptops; sweepstakes entries; causetie-in; texting campaign; Bluetooth downloads; looping content viamounted flat screens; and so forth.

Real Estate/2nd Home or Timeshare (2HOT)

The media and the financial markets continue to relay the fact that thehousing industry is in its worst slump in many years. The overbuildingof condos and single family homes has put a real strain on those who owntheir homes, and those who appear unqualified to capture a loan to buytheir first dwelling. Yet, there are still many home buyers and currenthome owners, those who have the disposable income, who are now lookingat this distressed market and think it is the ideal time to buy a second“vacation home”, or can see the second home as an investment forthemselves or someone in their family.

As a result, the mobile showroom can be used to reach out to: people whowould like to learn more about their options for buying a newhome/condo; those looking to build more equity because of the realestate market today; those who are for the first time seeking atimeshare in a popular vacation market; and those deciding whether it isthe ideal time to purchase a retirement property.

The mobile showroom offers the smart real estate builder, the hotel timeshare company, and others the ability to smartly reach out to thoseprospective buyers who may not think that they are in the market to makea new home or timeshare purchase, but who, upon seeing and learningabout the right opportunity, can be persuaded to do so.

The showroom engages prospective buyers in ways that are nottraditional, showing them what is available, how attractive the propertyis, and how attractive the price point is. Through the mobile and directcontact with the consumer it offers a very friendly and persuasiveatmosphere that truly makes the seller's communication effort extremelybuyer friendly.

The mobile showroom 2HOT services can include, but are not limited to:data capture; literature handout; time shareapplication/prequalification; one-on-one virtual tour; Internet-enabledlaptop; sweepstakes entries; cause tie-in; texting campaign; Bluetoothdownloads; credit card terminals; property replica build out; andlooping content via mounted flat screen, among others.

Cruise Lines/Sail the High Seas (SHS)

In America, approximately one-third of the US population has experienceda luxury cruise line vacation. Leisure travel for all ages generallyincludes going with special friends or the larger family on the highseas in a luxury cruise liner. The freedom to just pack only once, enjoywining and dining at any time of the day or night, or just stopping inone or many ports-of-call is an adventure to be remembered (andrepeated) in one's lifetime.

The mobile showroom can be used to bring information, pictures, videoand a very friendly staff of cruise experts to all types of residentialand commercial communities in a most exciting and engaging way. Itallows cruise line personnel to go “to” the people who can be encouragedto discover a new adventure, one that fits within anyone's budget. Itcan be used to show what and how the cruise adventure works, how easy itis to “come on board” to see places, people and experiences not foundthrough a traditional vacation getaway, in a manner all designed toremove the fear-factor that going on a cruise ship is too expensive ortoo hard to discover the right way to do it.

The mobile showroom SHS services can include, but are not limited to:data capture; literature handout; application for sales representativeto follow up; one-on-one virtual tour; Internet-enabled laptop;sweepstakes entries; cause tie-in; texting campaign; Bluetoothdownloads; credit card terminal; cruise ship amenities replica buildout; and looping content via mounted flat screen, among others.

Travel/Vacations Are Us (VAU)

There are two ways to consider vacation travel. One way is to stay homeand drive short distances to areas that you most enjoy and which do notrequire an overnight stay, or if they do, have very affordable hotelrates. The other way is jump on a plane or a cruise line, and gosomewhere exotic that offers a new adventure or has all of therefinements to just relax and enjoy the change of scenery. But thehardest part, in the beginning, is how to plan out this time off, when,how and at what cost.

The mobile showroom is the ideal ‘vehicle’ to bring the travel messageand experience to the consumer in a most fun, stimulating and engagingway. The showroom offers the travel industry, a single brand at anytime, the means to showcase their services to help thesoon-to-be-vacationer make the right choice on having their travel plansworked out properly in advance of their departure. The realdecision-making experience is all about having the knowledge to knowwhat to do, when to do it, and where to do it.

The showroom offers many access points, from hard literature and videodestination demos, to experienced travel consultants who answer keyquestions at the point of contact. All of this is designed to introducetravel services and solutions in a non-intimidating and personal way.

The mobile showroom VAU services can include, but are not limited to:data capture; literature handout; application for sales representativeto follow up; one on one destination recommendation; Internet-enabledlaptop; sweepstakes entries; cause tie-in; texting campaign; Bluetoothdownloads; credit card terminal; cruise ship amenities replica buildout; and looping content via mounted flat screen, among others.

Politics/Get Out The Vote (GOTV)

Direct communication is required for political candidates to reach outand touch someone in the most engaging and relevant way. The mobileshowroom allows candidates the ability to meet their future supportersin a most trusted and unsuspecting way: providing a means to meet theirconstituency in all the right places, at any time of the day or night,and to let them know the best candidate of choice.

The mobile showroom allows candidates the ability to bring theirmessage, image, platform, and vision directly to the people where theylive, work and play. It also makes communication “real” and “trusted” ina most unusual way, anywhere the message needs to be heard. It enhancesand can be used in addition to the old ways of advertising, making phonecalls, distributing pamphlets, or now, heavy internet campaigning. It isa valuable part of the overall strategy to win over voters, both thosewho are sitting on the fence and those who still need to make thatformal decision as to who they should vote for in the upcoming election.

The mobile showroom VAU services can include, but are not limited to:live polls; voter registration; opponent infiltration; literaturehandout; Internet-enabled laptop; texting campaign; loudspeakerannouncements; and looping content via mounted flat screen, amongothers.

Accordingly, the present system allows salespeople to educate consumersas to the use and advantages of their products, and to promote, market,and sell those products on a mobile platform. The vehicle serves as amobile educational, promotional, marketing and sales center foreducating consumers as to the functions and advantages of their productsand services, and for promoting, marketing, advertising and sellingthose products. The vehicle allows a company to bring a showroom withitems directly to the consumer in any desired environment, allowingsalespeople the ability to easily and efficiently demonstrate andpromote those products to consumers in that environment, where theconsumers can touch and feel them. New products and services can beeasily brought to consumers, and demonstrated in a very “hands-on”fashion, to show them the latest technologies. These products andservices can be promoted and demonstrated in nearly any area, includingareas where traditional retail stores may not be nearby, such as next tothe beach, or by a temporary or permanent event of interest, or in anyother area. In general, the vehicle allows for quickly and easilysetting up a temporary (or semi-temporary or permanent) kiosk forpromotion and sales anywhere a small vehicle can travel and park, whichsignificantly broadens the ability to reach consumers who are potentialpurchasers. In this manner, the vehicle can be used for increasedadvertising, marketing, promoting, and selling products and services toconsumers.

The above description is considered that of the preferred embodimentsonly. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in theart and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it isunderstood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and describedabove are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limitthe scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims asinterpreted according to the principles of patent law, including thedoctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article of manufacture, comprising: (a) aself-propelled moving vehicle, said self-propelled moving vehiclecomprising a cab and a showroom, said showroom being provided behindsaid cab; (b) said showroom comprising a display area; (c) said showroomfurther comprising a series of panels, said series of panels comprisinga panel on the left side of said showroom, a panel on the right side ofsaid showroom, and a panel at the rear side of said showroom; and, (d)wherein each of said panels is movable, such that each of said panelshas a closed position and an open position.
 2. An article of manufactureas in claim 1, wherein a consumer can view said display area when atleast one of said series of panels is in said open position.
 3. Anarticle of manufacture as in claim 1, wherein a consumer can interactwith said display area when at least one of said series of panels is insaid open position.
 4. An article of manufacture as in claim 1, whereina consumer can reach in to touch articles in said display area when atleast one of said series of panels is in said open position.
 5. Anarticle of manufacture as in claim 1, wherein a consumer can view saiddisplay area from two of said sides of said showroom when at least twoof said series of panels are in said open position.
 6. An article ofmanufacture as in claim 1, wherein a consumer can reach in to toucharticles in said display area from two of said sides of said showroomwhen at least two of said series of panels are in said open position. 7.An article of manufacture as in claim 1, wherein a consumer can viewsaid display area from all of said sides of said showroom when all ofsaid panels are in said open position.
 8. An article of manufacture asin claim 1, wherein said display area further comprises a frame and adisplay platform, and said panels are affixed to said frame.
 9. Anarticle of manufacture as in claim 1, wherein each of said panelscomprises a front side and back side, and wherein advertising isprovided on at least one of said panels to promote a product or serviceto consumers.
 10. An article of manufacture as in claim 1, wherein atleast one of said panels in said closed position is raised to said openposition.
 11. An article of manufacture as in claim 1, wherein saidseries of panels are all in said closed position and surround saidshowroom on three sides.
 12. An article of manufacture as in claim 10,wherein advertising is provided on said front side of at least one ofsaid panels when said panels are in said open position, such that saidpanel wherein said advertising is provided serves as a billboard abovesaid display area and above said showroom.
 13. An article of manufactureas in claim 10, wherein advertising is provided on said back side of aat least one of said panels when said panels are in said open position,such that said panel wherein said advertising is provided serves as abillboard above said display area and above said showroom.
 14. Anarticle of manufacture as claimed in claim 13, wherein said advertisingprovided on said back side of said panel is visible to a consumer whensaid panel is in said open position above said showroom.
 15. An articleof manufacture as in claim 1, wherein said self-propelled moving vehiclecomprises no more than three wheels.